Is the Percé to Gaspé Drive Worth the Distance? A 3-Day Journey with Unexpected Stillness
I don’t often drive 2,000 kilometers for a weekend. But this one—starting from Montréal and looping through Percé and Gaspé—was worth the stretch.
It wasn’t a grand adventure. It was slow. Purposeful. A little bit quiet.
Just how I like it.
Day 1: Montréal → Rimouski
I set off early from Montréal, heading east along the St. Lawrence. Around midday, I crossed briefly into New Brunswick just for lunch—a quick bite in a small diner before continuing to Rimouski.
Nothing fancy. I stayed somewhere simple and warm. Dinner was at Restaurant Normandin—local, casual, and good enough to shake off road fatigue.
I had my expandable backpack tossed on the back seat the whole way—compact but surprisingly capable. It carried snacks, an extra sweater, charger, and everything else I didn’t think I’d need (until I did).
Day 2: Rimouski → Percé
This was the longest leg. I left early again and arrived in Percé by late afternoon.
I stayed at Hôtel la Normandie, and if you go—ask for a room with a sea-facing balcony. The view from the terrace at sunset is unreal. You can also walk from the hotel to the harbor area, where I had dinner at La Maison du Pêcheur. It was busy—even in late June—but the food and service were solid.
The evening walk after dinner was what stayed with me. The light was soft, the wind salty, and the Rocher Percé just sat there like it had all the time in the world. The next morning, I took a short boat ride to see it up close, and added a visit to Île Bonaventure—calm trails, sea birds, and space to breathe.
Day 3: Percé → Gaspé → Forillon
I closed out the loop with a stop at Gaspé, and from there, entered Forillon National Park. I had booked a whale-watching cruise in advance (about CAD$100), but no luck with sightings that day. Still, the boat ride itself—wind in my face, coastline stretching wide—was peaceful in its own way.
Thoughts on the "Crowds"
I’ve heard debates on whether this part of Québec is “too popular.” But in late June, it felt... balanced.
Sure, some restaurants were full. A few tourists here and there. But it never felt crowded. Maybe it’s all about when you go—or maybe it’s about how slowly you choose to move through a place.
I didn’t hike much. I didn’t do everything.
But I noticed things—how the sky shifts over water, how early mornings smell different by the sea, how silence can feel earned after a long drive.
And that’s what the expandable backpack was there for—holding the little things that made the trip smoother, quieter, lighter.
If you ever find yourself wondering whether to make the drive out to Percé and Gaspé—do it.
Not for the checklist.
But for the pace.
Looking for a backpack that keeps up with you?
